Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman was impressed with his performance as he guided the club to a commanding 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UCL on Wednesday night, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles forward capped a brilliant display with a goal and an assist as La Dea recorded their third win in Europe this season.
The 2024 African footballer of the year winner had come under criticism for a couple of underwhelming displays this season and had only managed one goal in all competitions.
He clashed with former manager Ivan Juric in the win over Olympique Marseille in their last UEFA Champions League game.
Lookman handed in a transfer request in the summer following interest from Inter Milan, although the move never materialized due to differences in valuation by both clubs.
The 28-year-old opened the scoring with a volleyed finish in the second half, before he assisted Ederson for the second few minutes later.
Charles de Ketelaere added a third in the 65th minute as Atalanta moved up to 10th on the standings, after amassing 10 points from their first five games.
What Lookman said after win over Frankfurt
Ademola Lookman reminded the world of his quality with a brilliant two-goal involvement display against the German side on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian winger grabbed his first European goal of the season as Atalanta secured a first win under new manager Raffaele Palladino.
“Very important win today, I think we demonstrated what we did in the second half in Naples, although the result wasn’t what we wanted, but tonight we showed the DNA”, Lookman said after the match.
“Yeah, in the first half, we created a few chances, and it was difficult to score, but the mister came in at half-time and urged us to stay patient, and the goals would come, and they did in the second half.
“We scored a very quick three, in seven minutes maybe. That’s a good sign and good momentum for everyone going forward”, he continued.
“I think to get back into the goals obviously and into the mode of scoring goals is important, but for me, the most important is the team, and winning tonight is a boost, and we’ll look forward to the weekend and continue on this journey.”
On his future at the club
“You know, what’s happened has happened. A lot’s gone on. Some things people know, others they don’t”, the 28-year-old continued.
“Right now is the time to work hard for the team, and we need to win games; that’s the most important thing, to get stronger every day.
“That is what I am concentrated on, and so is the team, working together every day to get results.”
Atalanta will hope to continue their impressive form as they chase a first league win under their new manager against Fiorentina on Sunday.
